Apparatus, method and kit for retrofitting an indoor water dispenser of an existing refrigerator

ABSTRACT

Apparatuses, methods and systems for retrofitting an indoor water dispenser of an existing refrigerator having a water outlet with one or more components to provide secondary water conditioning to dispense an enhanced beverage using water from the water outlet of the indoor water dispenser are provided.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to retrofitting an indoor water dispenserof an existing refrigerator, and more particularly, to an apparatus,method and kit for retrofitting an indoor water dispenser of an existingrefrigerator to provide secondary water conditioning to dispense anenhanced beverage using water from the water outlet of the indoor waterdispenser.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Dispensing water from an indoor dispenser of a refrigerator is wellknown. In fact, many existing refrigerators whether in a home, businessor on the showroom floor have an indoor water dispenser having a wateroutlet to dispense water. Although these existing refrigerators candispense water, no concept or platform exists to convert, reconfigure orretrofit an indoor water dispenser of an existing refrigerator toprovide conditioning of the water with additives to dispense an enhancedbeverage. To this point, some work has been directed to configuring arefrigerator during manufacturing with the necessary hardware,architecture and componentry to dispense flavoring. Although thesesystems can dispense a flavored beverage, they are only feasible andoperable to the extent the necessary hardware, architecture andcomponentry are installed during manufacturing.

Therefore, a need has been identified in the art to provide anapparatus, method and kit for retrofitting an indoor water dispenser ofan existing refrigerator with an adapter capable of securing an additivecapsule thereto for combining additives with the water to dispense anenhanced beverage.

Indoor water dispensers in an existing refrigerator are specific tobrand, type platform, and model and as a result are dimensioned,constructed and configured differently.

Therefore, a need has been identified in the art to provide anapparatus, method and kit for retrofitting an indoor water dispenser ofan existing refrigerator, regardless of brand, type, platform, or model,with a brand, type, platform, or model specific adapter having auniversal attachment interface capable of securing a universal additivecapsule thereto for combining additives with water from the water outletto dispense an enhanced beverage.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Apparatuses, methods and kits for retrofitting an indoor water dispenserof an existing refrigerator having a water outlet with one or morecomponents for providing secondary conditioning of the water from thewater outlet to create an enhanced beverage are provided.

According to one aspect of the present invention, an apparatus forretrofitting an indoor water dispenser of a refrigerator having a wateroutlet and preexisting connection points is disclosed. The apparatusincludes an adapter having one or more geometries to permanently orremovably secure to the indoor water dispenser of the refrigerator andallow for secondary conditioning of the water stream. In a preferredform, the preexisting connection points may be a seam between surfaces,components, or parts of the indoor water dispenser, a component of theindoor water dispenser, or a component, surface or part of therefrigerator, the indoor water dispenser, or the water outlet. Theapparatus also may include a water outlet interface with a seal to sealabout the water outlet, such as an O-ring, a grommet, a self-sealingeyelet, a washer, a packing material, or a flexible tube drawn tightabout the water outlet with a draw string, zip tie or other cinchingmember. The one or more geometries on the adapter may include a clip, atab, a finger, a prong, a hook, a pressure coupling assembly adapted toexpand to pressure fit the adapter within the indoor water dispenser, orany other like attachment mechanism. The adapter also includes auniversal attachment interface for attaching one or more secondaryconditioning components having an additive component to condition waterfrom the water outlet to provide an enhanced beverage. In the preferredform, the additive capsule is adapted to attach and seal to theuniversal attachment interface so the adapter directs at least a portionof the water from the water outlet to the additive capsule to dispensethe additive component. The adapter may also include a capsule holderhaving a connection interface adapted to secure to the adapter to attachand seal the additive capsule to the universal attachment interface.

According to another aspect of the present invention, a new method forretrofitting an indoor water dispenser of a refrigerator having a wateroutlet for secondary water conditioning is disclosed. The methodincludes providing an adapter configured to attach to the indoor waterdispenser and seal about the water outlet, attaching the adapter to theindoor water dispenser, and sealing the adapter about the water outlet.In a preferred form, the method includes the adapter with a universalattachment interface to connect a secondary conditioning system thereto,conditioning water from the water outlet of the indoor water dispenserby adding an additive, flavor or aroma with the secondary conditioningsystem, attaching the adapter to one or more preexisting connectionpoints associated with the indoor water dispenser by clipping into oneor more of the preexisting connection points, hooking onto one or moreof the preexisting connection points, clamping onto one or more of thepreexisting connection points, snapping onto or into one or more of thepreexisting connection points, or adhering to one or more of thepreexisting connection points. The method also includes attaching anadditive capsule to the universal attachment interface, directing atleast a portion of the water from the water outlet to the additivecapsule to dispense the additives, attaching a additive capsule to theuniversal attachment interface with a capsule holder, and inserting thewater outlet into a water outlet interface in the adapter to seal theadapter to the water outlet to maintain the pressure of the water fromwater outlet within the retrofit.

According to yet another aspect of the present invention, a kit forretrofitting an existing indoor water dispenser of a refrigerator havinga water outlet for beverage dispensing is disclosed. The kit may includean adapter to secure to the indoor water dispenser, a set ofinstructions to install the adapter, and one or more tools to installthe adapter. In a preferred form, the adapter in the kit has one or moregeometries to permanently or removably secure the adapter to the indoorwater dispenser to attach one or more additional components to theadapter. The kit may further include one or more additive capsules forattaching to the adapter to make an enhanced beverage with water fromthe water outlet and a capsule holder for securing the additive capsuleto the adapter. The kit may further include one or more specificconnection parts and one or more adapters to cover all possible brandsand models, where the consumer will be able to select the rightconnection part & adapter for their model and where the adapter,additive capsule, and capsule holder each have a universal attachmentinterface adapted to function across all models, types and brands of therefrigerator.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

While the specification concludes with claims particularly pointing outand distinctly claiming the invention, it is believed that the presentinvention will be better understood from the following description takenin conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which:

FIG. 1A is a front elevation view of a refrigerator and indoor waterdispenser of the prior art;

FIG. 1B is a front elevation view of the indoor water dispenser of theprior art shown in FIG. 1A;

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the indoor water dispenser of the priorart shown in FIG. 1B retrofitted with one exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3A is a perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 3A1 is a cross sectional view of the adapter taken along line3A1-3A1 in FIG. 3A;

FIG. 3B is a perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 3A havingconnection geometry according to an exemplary aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 3C is an exploded view of the indoor water dispenser of the priorart shown in FIG. 2 with an exploded illustration of one retrofit of thepresent invention;

FIG. 3D is another exploded sectional view of the indoor water dispenserof the prior art shown in FIG. 2 with an assembled illustration of theretrofit according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of an additive capsule andcapsule holder according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the indoor water dispenser of the priorart shown in FIG. 2 with an exploded illustration of the retrofit,additive capsule and capsule holder according to an exemplary embodimentof the present invention;

FIG. 5B is a perspective view of the indoor water dispenser of the priorart shown in FIG. 2 with an assembled illustration of the adapter,additive capsule, and capsule holder according to an exemplaryembodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 6A is a perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 3A withconnection geometry according to another exemplary aspect of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6B is an exploded view of the indoor water dispenser of the priorart shown in FIG. 2 with an exploded illustration of the retrofit shownin FIG. 6A according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 6C is an exploded view of the indoor water dispenser of the priorart shown in FIG. 2 with an assembled illustration of the retrofitaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of an additive capsule according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 8A is a perspective view of the indoor water dispenser of the priorart shown in FIG. 2 with the additive capsule shown in FIG. 6D andanother adapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 8B is a perspective view of the indoor water dispenser of the priorart shown in FIG. 8A with the additive capsule and adapter assembledaccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 9 is a front elevation view of another indoor water dispenser ofthe prior art;

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the indoor water dispenser of the priorart shown in FIG. 9 retrofitted with another exemplary embodiment of thepresent invention;

FIG. 11A is a perspective view of the adapter shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 11B is an exploded view of the indoor water dispenser shown in FIG.10 with an exploded illustration of the adapter according to anexemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11C is a perspective view of the adapter connected to the wateroutlet of the indoor water dispenser of the prior art shown in FIG. 11Baccording to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 11D is an exploded view of the indoor water dispenser of the priorart shown in FIG. 10 with an assembled illustration of retrofit shown inFIG. 11C according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 12A is a perspective view of the indoor water dispenser of theprior art shown in FIG. 10 with an exploded illustration of the retrofitadapter shown in FIG. 11A with the additive capsule and capsule holdershown in FIG. 4 according to an exemplary embodiment of the presentinvention;

FIG. 12B is a perspective view of the indoor water dispenser of theprior art shown in FIG. 10 with an assembled illustration of theretrofit adapter shown in FIG. 11A with the capsule and capsule holdershown in FIG. 4;

FIG. 13A is a perspective view of a pressure coupling assembly with anadapter according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention;

FIG. 13B is another perspective view of the pressure coupling assemblyand adapter shown in FIG. 13A;

FIG. 14A is a perspective view of the indoor water dispenser of theprior art shown in FIG. 2 with the pressure coupling assembly andadapter shown in FIG. 13A assembled according to an exemplary aspect ofthe present invention; and

FIG. 14B is another perspective view of the indoor water dispenser ofthe prior art shown in FIG. 2 with the pressure coupling assembly andadapter shown in FIG. 13A along with the additive capsule and capsuleholder shown in FIG. 4.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiment of this present invention has been set forth inthe drawings and specification and although specific terms are employed,these are used in the generically descriptive sense only and are notused for the purposes of limitation. Changes in the formed proportion ofparts as well in the substitution of equivalence are contemplated ascircumstances may suggest or are rendered expedient without departingfrom the spirit and scope of the invention as further defined in thefollowing description and claims.

The apparatuses, methods and kits of the present invention are directedto a retrofit for an indoor water dispenser of an existing refrigerator.

Apparatus

FIG. 1A illustrates a refrigerator 10 having an indoor water dispenser12 as are commonly known in the prior art. Indoor water dispenser 12provides a chilled and controlled stream of water at a door of therefrigerator taken from a plumbed or non-plumbed water line, dependingupon make, model or type of refrigerator 10. Thus, as is commonly known,a user can discharge cold water from the dispensing area 78 of indoordispenser 12 for drinking and other purposes.

FIG. 1B is a front elevation view of the indoor water dispenser 12 shownin FIG. 1A of the prior art. Many, if not all, indoor water dispensers,such as the indoor water dispenser 12 shown in FIG. 1B, have a wateroutlet 14 within dispensing area 78 configured to dispense water. Thewater is typically dispensed as a controlled stream into somereceptacle, such as a cup or other container. Commonly, water outlet 14is constructed from tubing, hose, or like water carrying media. Manyexisting refrigerators, such as refrigerator 12 shown in FIG. 1Aillustrating the prior art, are configured with such an indoor waterdispenser similar or like the indoor water dispenser 12 illustrated inFIG. 1B. Variations of the indoor water dispenser depend upon thevarious makes, models, platforms, and types of refrigerators, but as ageneral rule perform identical functions, such as dispensing a charge ofwater upon actuation of a mechanical, mechanical-electrical orelectrical switch.

The popularity of the indoor water dispenser 12 is likely a result ofhow conveniently the user can access chilled water, often at the touchof a button or flip or depression of a switch. Although existingrefrigerators, such as refrigerator 10 illustrated in FIG. 1A of theprior art, can dispense chilled water for drinking and other uses, theyare not configured to combine additives with the water to dispense anenhanced beverage from the indoor water dispenser. Some refrigerators,such as the refrigerator shown in application Ser. No. 11/027,124 toMitchell et al., are capable of dispensing an enhanced beverage but onlyif refrigerator 10 has the requisite stock components, architectures,conduits and other systems installed when first manufactured. As manyrefrigerators, similar to refrigerator 12 shown in FIG. 1A of the priorart, have an indoor water dispenser 12 but do not have the requisitestock components installed during manufacturing for dispensing enhancedbeverages, the present invention provides apparatuses, methods and kitsfor retrofitting an indoor water dispenser of an existing refrigerator,regardless of brand, type, platform, or model, with a universalattachment interface capable of securing a universal additive capsulethereto for combining additives, such as flavoring, minerals, vitamins,whether insoluble, soluble or otherwise, with the water from the outletof the indoor water dispenser to create an enhanced beverage for theuser. One such apparatus is best illustrated in FIG. 2 where the indoorwater dispenser 12 of the prior art is retrofitted with one adapter 20type of the present invention that connects to the indoor waterdispenser 12 and seals about the water outlet 14 for connecting othercomponents thereto, such as additive capsule 40 alone or together withcapsule holder 44. The apparatus shown in FIG. 2 allows the user tocombine the water component provided by the indoor water dispenser 12 ofthe prior art with an additive component using the retrofit apparatus ofthe present invention; this is accomplished using an adapter such asadapter 20 that is configured to attach to an existing indoor waterdispenser 12 to provide an interface for secondary conditioning of waterfrom dispenser 12 with additives to create an enhanced beverage whilemaintaining the same conveniences associated with the preexisting indoorwater dispenser 12.

FIG. 3A illustrates one exemplary embodiment of adapter 20. In thebroadest sense, adapter 20 is a universal part that may be configuredwith various types of connection geometry 22, such as those illustratedin FIGS. 3B, 6A, 13A, and 13B. Adapter 20 and connection geometries 22may also be formed together as a single piece to form a true universalretrofit piece that can connect to indoor water dispensers of varioustypes of refrigerators regardless of brand, make, platform, or model.For the purpose of securing connection geometries 22 to indoor dispenser12 it has been found that forming adapter 20 as a separate piece wouldallow the user to easily connect the appropriate connection geometry 22to the indoor water dispenser 12 and then attach the adapter 20 to theconnection geometry 22 already secured to the dispenser 12. The user mayalso prefer to install connection geometry 22 while separated fromadapter 20 so the connection geometry 22 can be manipulated andcontorted to secure to the dispenser 12. One skilled in the art canappreciate the need to have a universal adapter with connection geometry22 specific to the various brand, make, platform, and model ofrefrigerator 10. For example, adapter 20 could be a universal part thatcould be configured with connection geometry 22 and water outletinterface 24 specific to each brand, make, platform, or model ofrefrigerator or other applicable appliances or water dispensing units,such as a tabletop or free standing, water bottle dispensers. For thisreason, adapter 20 should not be construed as being limited toretrofitting refrigerators only but could be used to retrofit otherappliances for enhanced beverage dispensing. For example, theapparatuses of the present invention could be used to retrofit atabletop or freestanding water bottle dispenser. Therefore, adapter 20need only have a means for rigidly securing adapter 22 to the applianceand sealing the adapter to or about the water outlet 14 or waterdispensing member depending on the type of appliance adapter 20 is usedto retrofit.

Adapter 20 has an aperture 26 extending through the body of adapter 20to connect or seal about the water outlet 14. Aperture 26 may alsofunction as water outlet interface 24 to seal about water outlet 14. Oneskilled in the art can appreciate that aperture 26 and/or water outletinterface 24 could be configured with an O-ring, grommet, self-sealingeyelet, washer, some packing material, or a flexible tube drawn tightabout the water outlet with a draw string, zip tie or other likecinching member, or any like sealing media to seal water outletinterface 24 and/or aperture 26 to water outlet 14.

In the preferred form, adapter 20 also includes a means for connectingone or more other components thereto. For example, groove 36 could beformed in the side walls of adapter 20 for attaching other components toadapter 20. Adapter 20 should not be construed as being limited to agroove type attachment point. For example, various other type ofconnections could be used to attach other components to adapter 20 suchas a threaded union, a quick-coupler, a compression fit connection, aslip joint, a gasket fitting, or any other suitable connection typeadapted to permanently or temporally hold one or more other componentsto adapter 20. In the preferred form, adapter 20 also includes auniversal attachment interface 34 (best shown in FIG. 3A1) that isadapted to seal the mating surfaces between the adapter 20 andcomponents connected thereto, such as additive capsule 40 shown in FIG.4.

An exemplary embodiment of connection geometry 22 for securing adapter20 to indoor water dispenser 12 is shown in FIG. 3B. Adapter 20 andconnection geometry 22 may be configured as a single unitary piece or asseparate pieces. For example, adapter 20 and connection geometry 22 maytake on any type of configuration so as to retrofit to an indoor waterdispenser 12 regardless of the make, model, platform, or brand ofrefrigerator 10. Thus, connection geometry 22 could be a custom piecedesigned and fitted to an indoor water dispenser regardless of the make,model, platform, or brand of the refrigerator 10. The present inventioncontemplates that adapter 20 could be a universal part or component,such that connection geometries 22 would interface adapter 20 with thevarious types of existing indoor water dispensers.

In the broadest sense of the present invention, connection geometries 22have one or more attachment points adapted to secure to or withinpre-existing connection points 18 associated with the refrigerator 10,indoor water dispenser 12, and/or water outlet 14. For example,connection geometries 22 could include a clip, a tab, a finger, a prong,a hook, cinch-tie, or any other like attachment mechanism adapted tosecure adapter 20 to indoor water dispenser 12.

In FIG. 3B, connection geometry 22 includes a clip point 30 and flangehaving a lip 32 for securing to the indoor water dispenser 12.Connection geometry 22 may differ to accommodate the various types ofstructure associated with each make, model, platform, or brand of indoordispenser.

FIG. 3C illustrates an exploded view of the indoor water dispenser 12 ofthe prior art shown in FIG. 1B. Indoor water dispenser 12 has severalstock components or pre-existing connection points 18 (components orconnection points existing as part of the dispenser from the time ofmanufacture) that connection geometries 22 can be connected to forsecuring adapter 20 to indoor water dispenser 12. Pre-existingconnection points 18 of the indoor water dispenser 12 may include anexisting bracket used in indoor water dispenser 12 or any interface,seam or mating surfaces between existing components of the indoor waterdispenser 12, such as where two components provide a tight seam actingas a compression fit for holding one or more of connection geometries22.

FIG. 3D illustrates one aspect of how connection geometries 22 may beused to affix adapter 20 to pre-existing connection points 18 associatedwith the indoor water dispenser 12. For example, clip 30 may be used tosecure about an existing bracket within the indoor water dispenser 12 asshown. Additionally, connection geometry 22 having the flange portionwith lip 32 may be secured between tightly mated adjoining parts thatprovide a seam in compression (when indoor water dispenser 12 isassembled) for securing lip 32 against movement. Although FIGS. 3C and3D illustrate indoor water dispenser 12 of the prior art in an explodedview, it should be appreciated that connection geometries 22 may beconnected to pre-existing connection points 18 associated with theindoor water dispenser 12 without having to disassemble indoor waterdispenser 12. For example, the user could select the appropriateconnection geometry 22 to fit to adapter 20; connection geometry 22 maybe specific to the brand, make, platform, or model of the indoor waterdispenser 12. Preferably, connection geometry 22 would be first attachedto pre-existing connection points 18 within the indoor water dispenser12 and then adapter 20 would subsequently be attached to connectiongeometry 22 preferably without having to disassemble or removecomponents associated with the existing indoor water dispenser 12. Thoseskilled in the art can appreciate that adapter 20 could also beconnected first to connection geometry 22 and then to pre-existingconnection points 18. Connection geometries 22 are used to rigidlysecure adapter 20 to the indoor water dispenser 12. To seal adapter 20to the water outlet 14, a water outlet interface 24 is also provided.The water outlet interface 24 may be provided in or about aperture 26 soas to seal adapter 20 to water outlet 14. In one aspect, water outletinterface 24 may include one or more seals to seal about the outerperimeter (female connector) or inner perimeter (male connector) ofwater outlet 14 to prevent water from leaking at the water outletinterface 24 to maintain the pressure associated with water from wateroutlet 14 within adapter 20.

FIG. 2 illustrates a front elevation view of the indoor water dispenser12 having been retrofitted with adapter 20. As previously discussed,adapter 20 provides a universal interface for connecting othercomponents thereto. Additionally, adapter 20 could have aesthetics tomatch that of the indoor water dispenser 12. Furthermore, adapter 20, ina preferred form, would permit use of indoor water dispenser 12 withoutinterference from adapter 20. Regardless, adapter 20 could be configuredto be permanently or removably attached to indoor water dispenser 12using adapter 20. Numerous types of capsules, such as additive capsule40 illustrated in FIG. 4 may be attached to adapter 20 alone or usingsome other attachment mechanism such as capsule holder 44. Depending onthe type of additive capsule 40 or container being used, adapter 20 mayinclude one or more channels to direct all the water from the wateroutlet 14 around the additive capsule 40, direct at least a portion ofthe water from the water outlet 14 to and/or through the additivecapsule 40, or direct all the water from the water outlet 14 to and/orthrough additive capsule 40. In the broadest sense, additive capsule 40provides a reservoir for housing an additive component. It should beappreciated that the additive component housed within additive capsule40 could be a powder, grounds, a liquid, an aroma, or other likeflavoring media. Additionally, the additive may be powdered, ground,leaf-based, or liquid. The additive may be insoluble or soluble. Theadditive could also be a carbonating agent or a brew. Those skilled inthe art should appreciate that additive capsule 40 could, instead ofadding a component to the water stream from the water outlet 14, takeaway a component already existing in or added to the water stream fromthe water outlet 14, such as in the case where capsule 40 has afiltering component for filtering the water stream or where an additiveis combined with the water stream then filtered out leaving an additivesuch as a flavor or aroma with the water stream being dispensed.

Structurally, additive capsule 40 may include an inlet 54 and outlet 52for passing a portion of water from water outlet 14 therefrom todispense an enhanced beverage or for simply dispensing additive fromadditive capsule 40 without passing water directly through additivecapsule 40. Additive capsule 40 may also include a connection interface42 adapted to mate with universal attachment interface 34 of adapter 20.Connection interface 42 of additive capsule 40 may of itself include aconnection mechanism for securing to adapter 20. For example, additivecapsule 40 and adapter 20 could each have threads such that additivecapsule 40 could be threaded into adapter 20 to attach additive capsule40 to adapter 20 as best illustrated in FIGS. 7, 8A and 8B. Onceadditive capsule 40 has been used it could be unthreaded from adapter 20and discarded. Additive capsule 40 could be adapted to be refillable,reusable or disposed as a consumable part. For example, additive capsule40 could have one or more parts that by disassembling them allow theuser to refill or recharge the additive capsule 40 with an additivecomponent, flavoring or aroma. Alternatively, if additive capsule 40 isa consumable part, additive capsule 40 could be removed from adapter 20,discarded and replaced with a new additive capsule 40. Additive capsule40 could also be connected to adapter 20 using a capsule holder 44 asbest illustrated in FIGS. 4, 5A and 5B. Capsule holder 44 could have ahandle 50 for gripping, pins 56 for inserting and sliding into grove 36in adapter 20, and universal attachment interface 46 having a seal 48 toseal additive capsule 40 to adapter 20. Capsule holder 44 should not beconstrued as being limited to pins 56 as a connection mechanism forconnecting capsule holder 44 to adapter 20. One skilled in the art couldappreciate that numerous types of connection mechanisms could be used toattach capsule holder 44 to adapter 20. For example, additive capsule 40could be have a threaded or quick-coupler interface for securing andsealing additive capsule 40 to adapter 20 to maintain the pressure ofthe water from the water outlet 14 within adapter 20 and to preventwater from leaking at any one or more of the interfaces between theadapter 20, additive capsule 40 and capsule holder 44.

FIGS. 5A and 5B illustrate indoor water dispenser 12 of the prior arthaving been retrofitted with adapter 20. With adapter 20 in place,additive capsule 40 may be connected to adapter 20 alone or with the useof capsule holder 44 as shown in FIG. 4. The sealed connection ofadditive capsule 40 to adapter 20 allows use of the water componentprovided by the indoor water dispenser 12 to be combined with anadditive provided by additive capsule 40 to create an enhanced beveragewhen water is dispensed from water outlet 14 of indoor water dispenser12.

FIG. 6A illustrates another exemplary embodiment of adapter 20 shown inFIG. 3A having an alternative connection geometry 22. Similar to adapter20 and connection geometry 22 shown in FIG. 3B, connection geometry 22shown in FIG. 6A has hooks 38 and flange with a lip 32 for connecting toone or more preexisting connection points 18 associated with the indoorwater dispenser 12.

FIGS. 6B and 6C illustrate an exploded view of indoor water dispenser 12of the prior art shown in FIG. 1B. Similar to the proceeding descriptionfor FIGS. 3C and 3D, adapter 20 and connection geometry 22 configuredwith hook 38 and flange with lip 32 attach to preexisting connectionpoints 18 associated with indoor water dispenser 12. FIG. 6B illustrateshow connection geometry 22 is used to affix or secure adapter 20 to theindoor water dispenser 12. In FIG. 6C, hook 38 and the flange with lip32 attach to existing connection points 18 associated with indoor waterdispenser 12. One skilled in the art should appreciate that connectiongeometries 22 associated with adapter 20 could be configured to connectnot only to preexisting connection points 18 associated with indoorwater dispenser 12 but with any preexisting connection points 18associated with refrigerator 10. As previously mentioned, in thepreferred form, connection geometry 22 may be moved into position andsecured to preexisting connection points 18 associated with indoor waterdispenser 12 without having to disassemble or remove components or partsof indoor water dispenser 12. Thus, the user may attach connectiongeometry 22 to preexisting connection points 18 associated with indoorwater dispenser 12 and subsequently attach adapter 20 to connectiongeometry 22. Once secured to the indoor water dispenser 12, adapter 20may be used to attach other components such as additive capsule 40 tothe indoor water dispenser 12 for dispensing at least a portion or allwater from water outlet 14 there-through for creating an enhancedbeverage. One skilled in the art should appreciate that the retrofit ofthe present invention is not limited to specific instances of cold waterdispensing from water outlet 14. For example, where refrigerator 10 hasexisting stock components for providing hot, carbonated, or other typesof water at the indoor water dispenser 12, adapter 20 and additivecapsule 40 could be used to provide a hot or carbonated beverage withadditives using existing stock components associated with refrigerator10. As a retrofit piece, the uses for adapter 20 would only be limitedby the varying types of liquid components provided by the host productor the refrigerator 10. For example, if refrigerator 10 has an indoorwater dispenser 12 that only provides cold water at the water outlet,adapter 20 and additive capsule 40 could be used to provided cold waterenhanced beverages to the user. If, for example, refrigerator 10 hasstock components to create and provide hot water at the indoor waterdispenser 12, adapter 20 and additive capsule 40 could be used toprovide the user with a hot water enhanced beverage, such as coffee,powdered drinks or tea. Furthermore, if refrigerator 10 has stockcomponents to create and provide carbonated water at indoor waterdispenser 12, adapter 20 and additive capsule 40 could be used toprovide the user with enhanced carbonated beverages, such as sparklingmineral water or flavored soda.

FIG. 7 illustrates another exemplary aspect of additive capsule 40 shownin FIG. 4. Additive capsule 40 has a threaded connection interface 42.As previously mentioned, connection interface 42 should not be construedas being limited to any one type of connection. For example, connectioninterface could include another connection mechanism such as aquick-coupler, gasket-seal, compression-fit or other attachinginterface. In the threaded embodiment, adapter 20 may include a femalethreaded interface (as illustrated in FIG. 8A) and additive capsule 40may include a male threaded interface (as illustrated in FIG. 7) forconnecting the two together (as illustrated in FIG. 8B). Capsule 40 mayalso include a sealing interface 48, separate from or part of connectioninterface 42 to seal off mating surfaces between adapter 20 and additivecapsule 40 to prevent leaking and to maintain pressure of the water fromthe water outlet 14 within the retrofit.

FIG. 9 is front elevation view of another indoor water dispenser of theprior art. Like indoor water dispenser 12 shown in FIG. 1B, the indoorwater dispenser 12 in FIG. 9 has a water outlet 14 and controls 16 foroperating dispenser 12. Also, like FIG. 2, indoor water dispenser 12 ofthe prior art shown in FIG. 10 is retrofitted with adapter 20 whichconnects to indoor water dispenser 12 and seals about water outlet 14for connecting other components thereto. FIG. 11A illustrates anotherexemplary embodiment of adapter 20. Similar to adapter 20 shown in FIG.3A, adapter 20 in FIG. 11A has one or more grooves for securing one ormore other components thereto. Additionally, aperture 26 is providedthrough the body of adapter 20 to provide a water outlet interface 24.Connection geometries 22 are also provided having one or more hookedprongs 38 for connecting adapter 20 to one or more preexistingconnection points 18 at indoor water dispenser 12.

FIG. 11B illustrates an exploded view of indoor water dispenser 12 ofthe prior art shown in FIG. 9. The indoor water dispenser 12 of theprior art has an existing water outlet 14. Water outlet 14 is shownconnected to indoor water dispenser 12 by an existing clip 60. Theexisting water outlet 14 has connection points 22, such as flanges 62protruding perpendicularly outward from the main body of the outlet 14.Adapter 20 has connection geometry 22, such as hooked prongs 38 whichare configured to secure to the existing flanges 62 on water outlet 14of indoor water dispenser 12 as best illustrated in FIG. 11C. Wateroutlet interface 24 in aperture 26 of adapter 20 seals about theexisting water outlet 14 of indoor water dispenser 12. FIG. 11C showswater outlet 14 of indoor water dispenser 12 of the prior art connectedand sealed to adapter 20 according to one aspect of the presentinvention. FIG. 11D illustrates adapter 20 connected to the existingwater outlet 14 of indoor water dispenser 12. Adapter 20 is secured tothe existing water outlet 14 associated with indoor water dispenser 12without having to disassemble indoor water dispenser 12 so that adapter20 can be simply secured into place as shown in FIG. 12A. If secured toindoor water dispenser 12, water outlet interface 24 on adapter 20 sealsto water outlet 14 so as to maintain pressure of the water within wateroutlet 14 within the retrofit and prevent water from leaking at theinterface between water outlet interface 24 and water outlet 14. Wateroutlet interface 24 may also be used to help secure adapter 20 to theindoor water dispenser 12 alone or with the additional support ofconnection geometries 22 attached to preexisting connection points 18associated with the indoor water dispenser 12. An additive capsule 40may be secured to the universal attachment interface 34 associated withadapter 20 or with capsule holder 44 as shown in FIGS. 12A-B. Seal 48may be used to seal connection interface 42 of additive capsule 40 touniversal attachment interface 34 of adapter 20. Additive capsule 40 maybe preconfigured with an attachment mechanism for securing to adapter 20or using capsule holder 44.

FIG. 13A discloses an alternative retrofit or pressure coupling assembly64 for securing adapter 20 to an indoor water dispenser, such as indoorwater dispenser 12 shown in FIG. 2. Pressure coupling assembly 64 isadapted to pressure fit adapter 20 into an engaging relationship aroundthe area of water outlet 14 in dispensing area 78 as best illustrated inFIG. 14B. Adapter 20 is similar in structure and features as presentedand discussed above. Adapter 20 may include an aperture 26 at wateroutlet interface 24 and groove 36 for attaching other components such asadditive capsule 40 and capsule holder 44 shown in FIG. 4 to adapter 20.It should be appreciated that adapter 20 and pressure coupling assembly64 may be single or separate components. For example, adapter 20 couldbe configured to attach to top 68 of body 66 of pressure couplingassembly 64.

As best illustrated in FIG. 13A-13B, pressure coupling assembly 64comprises a body 66 having a top 68 and bottom 72 adjoined by a pair oflegs 70. Legs 70 are connected to top 68 and bottom 72 by way of livinghinges 74. Living hinge 74 allows legs 70 to collapse in a directionback upon themselves as illustrated in FIGS. 13A-13B. Legs 70, top 68and bottom 72 include abutments 76 which aid legs 70 in absorbing thecompression forces exerted on pressure coupling assembly 64 when fullyerect and in a state of compression within the dispensing area 78 of theindoor water dispenser 12, as best illustrated in FIGS. 14A-14B.

The general purpose of pressure coupling assembly 64 is to secure aretrofit piece, such as adapter 20, within the dispensing area 78 ofindoor water dispenser 12. The pressure coupling assembly 64 is securedusing the concept of pressure fitting by expansion or telescopicextension, such that pressure coupling assembly 64 is pressure fitwithin dispensing area 78 or relative to dispensing area 78 using theexisting surfaces of dispensing area 78, such as tray 80. Given thisunderstanding, those skilled in the art can appreciate that pressurecoupling assembly 64 can take on many different configurations. Forexample, any erectable, telescopically extensible or expandablesupporting structure could be used to pressure fit adapter 20 relativeto the water outlet 14 in indoor water dispenser 12. The possiblealternatives for pressure fitting adapter 20 relative to water outlet 14should not be construed as being limited to pressure coupling assembly64. For example, alternative embodiments of pressure coupling assembly64 could be used to pressure fit or support adapter 20 relative to wateroutlet 14; these assemblies could include a structure that is expandableor telescopically extensible in nature, as previously discussed, andthat can adjust to various dimensions associated with various brands,makes, platforms and models of indoor water dispensers or waterdispensers. In the case where indoor water dispenser 12 is devoid ofpre-existing connection points 18, such as cracks, seams, existingclip-end points, pressure coupling assembly 64 allows adapter 20 to besecured within dispensing area 78 relative to water outlet 14 regardlessif indoor water dispenser 12 has pre-existing connection points 18 forattaching adapter 20, as discussed above. Those skilled in the artshould appreciate that pressure coupling assembly 64 is not limited toinstances where pre-existing connection points 18 are not available inindoor water dispenser 12 but could be used in fact in instances whereindoor water dispenser 12 has pre-existing connection points 18 but isbetter suited for use of a supporting structure like pressure couplingassembly 64 for supporting adapter 20 relative to water outlet 14.

As illustrated in FIG. 14A, pressure coupling assembly 64 issufficiently collapsible to be inserted into dispensing area 78 so thatbottom 72 of pressure coupling assembly 64 rests on tray 80 of indoordispenser 12. Pressure coupling assembly 64 can be aligned withindispensing area 78 so that aperture 26 is concentric with water outlet14. Moving leg 70 from a bent position to an erect position causes top68 and bottom 72 of pressure coupling assembly 64 to be pressure fitbetween tray 80 and an existing surface near water outlet 14; movinglegs 70 from a bent position to an erect position forces water outlet 14through aperture 26 of water outlet interface 24. As previouslydiscussed, water outlet interface 24 or aperture 26 may include a numberof sealing components, such as a seal, O-ring, grommet, or like sealingcomponent to seal about water outlet 14, so as to maintain pressure ofwater exiting water outlet 14 into adapter 20 and to prevent leaking.

Those skilled in this art would appreciate that the retrofit of thepresent invention should not be construed as being limited only torefrigerators. For example, the apparatuses of the present inventioncould be retrofitted to a number of water dispensers, including chilledwater dispensing devices for enhanced beverage dispensing. Waterdispensers could include, but should not be construed as being limitedto faucets, countertop/tabletop water dispensers, water dispensingcabinets, water bubblers, or any like water dispensers. Chilled waterdispensers could include, but should not be construed as being limitedto countertop/tabletop water coolers, water cooler cabinets, waterdispenser coolers, faucets, chilled water bubblers or any like chilledwater dispenser.

Method

A method for retrofitting indoor water dispenser 12 of refrigerator 10having a water outlet 14 is also disclosed. The method includesattaching adapter 20 to preexisting connection points 18 associated withthe indoor water dispenser 12 and sealing the water outlet interface 24of adapter 20 about water outlet 14. Adapter 20 may be configured withone or more connection geometries 22 such as those illustrated in FIGS.3B, 6A, 11A, 13A, and 13B. Connection geometries 22 could be a partthat's tailored to fit the various specifications for several indoorwater dispenser brands. For example, adapter 20 may have one type ofconnection geometry 22 configured for one brand of water dispenser andanother type of connection geometry 22 for another indoor waterdispenser brand. The connection geometries 22 associated with adapter 20may be used to attach adapter 20 to one or more preexisting connectionpoints 18 associated with indoor water dispenser 12 by clipping into oneor more preexisting connection points 18, hooking onto one or more ofthe preexisting connection points 18, clamping onto one or more of thepreexisting connection points 18, snapping onto or into one or more ofpreexisting connection points 18, or adhering to one or more of thepreexisting connection points 18. One skilled in the art can appreciatethat connection geometries 22 associated with adapter 20 could take oncountless number of configurations depending on the make, model,platform, and type of indoor water dispenser 12. Thus, in the broadestsense, connection geometries 22 could be any geometry, whether universalor model specific, that could secure adapter 20 with universalattachment interface 34 (shown in FIG. 3A1) to any preexistingconnection points 18 associated with the refrigerator 10, indoor waterdispenser 12 and/or water outlet 14. In addition to securing adapter 12to indoor water dispenser 12, water outlet interface 24 may be sealedabout water outlet 14, by positioning adapter 20 relative to wateroutlet 14 so that water outlet 14 is inserted into water outletinterface 24. The water outlet interface 24 and water outlet 14 aremated so as to seal adapter 20 to water outlet 14 to maintain thepressure of the water from water outlet 14 within adapter 20 and toprevent water from leaking from the retrofit unit. Once adapter 20 isattached and secured to the indoor water dispenser 12, additive capsule40 may be secured to adapter 20. Additive capsule 40 may be secured toadapter 20 and the interface between the two sealed to prevent leakingand loss of pressure by threading additive capsule 40 onto universalattachment interface 34, snapping additive capsule 40 onto universalattachment interface 34, coupling additive capsule 40 to universalattachment interface 34, hooking additive capsule 40 onto universalattachment interface 34, clamping additive capsule 40 onto universalattachment interface 34, clipping additive capsule 40 onto universalattachment interface 34 or pressure fitting additive capsule 40 ontouniversal attachment interface 34. Similarly, additive capsule 40 may beattached, secured and sealed to adapter 20 using capsule holder 44. Byactivating the indoor water dispenser 12, water is dispensed from wateroutlet 14, through water outlet interface 24 into adapter 20, andthrough and/or to additive capsule 40 to combine with an additive withinadditive capsule 40 or dispense an additive to create an enhancedbeverage. It should be appreciated that adapter 20 or additive capsule40 may be designed to channel all or a portion of water from wateroutlet 14 around, to, or through additive capsule 40 to combine with anadditive to create an enhanced beverage. In the event that additivecapsule 40 is a consumable part or disposable, additive capsule 40 maybe used to create an enhanced beverage, discarded and replaced with anew additive capsule 40. Alternatively, additive capsule 40 may beconfigured so that the additive may be replenished or recharged forcreating subsequent enhanced beverages as opposed to discarding additivecapsule 40 as a consumable or disposable part.

FIGS. 14A-14B disclose an alternative method for securing adapter 20about water outlet 14 within dispensing area 78 of indoor waterdispenser 12. To this point, what has been disclosed are embodiments ofa retrofit that use existing connection points in indoor water dispenser12 to attach adapter 20 to indoor water dispenser 12 and seal aboutwater outlet 14 of the indoor water dispenser 12. Those familiar withthis art area can appreciate that some indoor water dispensers may notprovide the necessary pre-existing connection points to secure aretrofit piece thereto. The pressure coupling assembly 64 shown in FIGS.14A-14B addresses these situations by providing a solution, but shouldnot be construed as being limited for use to instances where the indoorwater dispenser is devoid of pre-existing connection points.

As discussed earlier in the apparatus section, adapter 20 and pressurecoupling assembly 64 could be a single piece or two-piece component oreven a multi-piece component. In the case where adapter 20 and pressurecoupling assembly 64 are separate components, adapter 20 could besecured to pressure coupling assembly 64 by threads, a quick-couplingjoint, pressure fitting joint, or any like attaching interface ofsufficient retention strength, so as to secure adapter 20 to pressurecoupling assembly 64. Pressure coupling assembly 64 may be prepared toinsert within dispensing area 78 of indoor water dispenser 12 bycollapsing legs 70 so that living hinges 74 move toward each other as dotop 68 and bottom 72. Those skilled in the art can appreciate thatcollapsing pressure coupling assembly 64 could be accomplished byalternative means. For example, legs 70 could be telescopicallyextensible, such that body 66 of pressure coupling assembly 64 could bealtered in height as needed. Having positioned pressure couplingassembly 64 within dispensing area 78 and aligned water outlet interface24 including aperture 26 concentric with water outlet 14, pressurecoupling assembly 64 may be moved from the collapsed position to thefully-erect position as best shown in FIG. 14B. Pressure applied by legs70 to top 68 and bottom 72 of pressure coupling assembly 64 wedges or bya forced fit secures pressure coupling assembly 64 within dispensingarea 78 as well as secures top 68 about water outlet interface 24 andwater outlet 14. Water outlet interface 24 may further include structuresuch as ridge 82 to prevent pressure coupling assembly 64 from movingwhen secured within dispensing area 78 of indoor water dispenser 12, asshown in FIG. 14B.

It should further be appreciated that water outlet interface 24 could beconfigured with any number of seals to help seal top 68 about wateroutlet 14. Additionally, aperture 26 could also include any number ofseals to seal aperture 26 about water outlet 14. These seals would helpprevent leaking, as well as retain the pressure of the water beingdispensed from water outlet 14 into adapter 20. When legs 70 are movedfrom the collapsed position to the fully-erect position, abutments 76 ontop 68, bottom 72 and legs 70 help to absorb the compression forcesexperienced by pressure coupling assembly 64 and further to prevent legs70 from buckling. With pressure coupling assembly 64 secured withindispensing area 78 of indoor water dispenser 12, additive capsule 40 maybe secured to adapter 20 alone or in combination with capsule holder 44by moving pins 56 into grooves 36 of adapter 20. With adapter 20pressure fit about water outlet 14, water from water outlet 14 can bedispensed through additive capsule 14 for providing an enhanced beverageat dispensing area 78 of indoor water dispenser 12.

Those skilled in the art can appreciate that pressure coupling assembly64 could be left in place and additive capsule 40 replaced with a newadditive capsule as a consumable, disposable or reusable component.Alternatively, pressure coupling assembly 64 could be collapsed andremoved when not in use. Furthermore, pressure coupling assembly 64could be manufactured to match the esthetics of the various make, model,platform and brand of indoor water dispensers and refrigerators.

Those skilled in this art would appreciate that the retrofit of thepresent invention should not be construed as being limited only torefrigerators. For example, the methods of the present invention couldbe used to retrofit any number of water dispensers, including chilledwater dispensing devices for enhanced beverage dispensing. Waterdispensers could include, but should not be construed as being limitedto faucets, countertop/tabletop water dispensers, water dispensingcabinets, water bubblers, or any like water dispensers. Chilled waterdispensers could include, but should not be construed as being limitedto countertop/tabletop water coolers, water cooler cabinets, waterdispenser coolers, faucets, chilled water bubblers or any like chilledwater dispenser.

Kit

The present invention provides for a kit for retrofitting an existingwater dispenser 12 of a refrigerator 10 for beverage dispensing. The kitmay include an adapter 20, as previously set forth and described, tosecure to the indoor water dispenser 12 and seal to water outlet 14 ofindoor water dispenser 12 for dispensing water there-through. The kitmay also include a set of instructions on how to install adapter 20 toindoor water dispenser 12. The kit may include one or may tools used toinstall adapter 20 to indoor water dispenser 12 depending on the make,model, platform, or brand of dispenser as well as adapter 20. The kitcould be configured such that connection geometry 22 associated withadapter 20 are specific to each make and model of refrigerator 10 andtheir respective water dispensers 12. Thus, the user could order orpurchase a kit for retrofitting indoor water dispenser 12 of theirrefrigerator 10 where the specific connection geometries 22 associatedwith adapter 20 would be configured to fit the specific model ofrefrigerator 10. Adapter 20 could be configured as a universal componentof the kit so various components, such as additive capsule 40, could beconnected to adapter 20 to create an enhanced beverage. The kit couldalso include a number of additive capsules 40 having various flavor oradditive types. These additive capsules 40, as previously explained,could be a consumable or disposable part of the kit and replaceable bypurchasing anew; alternatively, the additive component could berechargeable or replenishable such as when grounds or powder are used asthe additive. In another aspect of the present invention, the additivecomponent may be a flavoring component, a soluble component, anon-soluble component, a powder, a liquid, a brew, any combination ofthe aforementioned components, or any combination of the aforementionedcomponents where one additive component interacts or reacts with anotheror with the water stream. Depending on the preferred configuration ofeach additive capsule, additive capsule 40 could have a connectioninterface 42 for securing to universal attachment interface 34associated with adapter 20. Additionally, other connectionhardware/components, such as capsule holder 44, could be included in thekit and used to secure additive capsule 40 to adapter 20. Capsule holder44 could be included as part of the kit depending on the style ofadditive capsule 40 and whether or not additive capsule 40 alone wouldconnect to adapter 20 or be connected to adapter 20 using capsule holder44.

An apparatus, method and kit for retrofitting an indoor water dispenserof an existing refrigerator having a water outlet and existing pointsthat could be used to connect one or more other components thereto forcreating enhanced beverages is disclosed. Those skilled in this artwould appreciate that the retrofit of the present invention should notbe construed as being limited only to refrigerators. For example, thekit of the present invention could be retrofitted to a number of waterdispensers, including chilled water dispensing devices for enhancedbeverage dispensing. Water dispensers could include, but should not beconstrued as being limited to faucets, countertop/tabletop waterdispensers, water dispensing cabinets, water bubblers, or any like waterdispensers. Chilled water dispensers could include, but should not beconstrued as being limited to countertop/tabletop water coolers, watercooler cabinets, water dispenser coolers, faucets, chilled waterbubblers or any like chilled water dispenser.

The present invention contemplates numerous variations, options, andalternatives and is not to be limited to the specific embodimentsdescribed here.

What is claimed is:
 1. An apparatus for filtering liquid dispensed froma refrigerator liquid dispenser having a liquid flow path with a liquidoutlet in fluid communication with a dispensing area, comprising: aliquid filtering component enclosed within a filter housing having anattachment end with a liquid inlet adapted for fluid communication withthe liquid outlet of the refrigerator liquid dispenser, and an oppositedispensing end with an outlet adapted for fluid communication with thedispensing area, wherein the liquid filtering component is housedbetween the attachment and dispensing ends of the filter housing; anadapter portion separate from the liquid inlet at the attachment end,the adapter portion comprising: a. at least one connector for removablysecuring a body of the filter housing to the refrigerator liquiddispenser with the liquid inlet in fluid communication with the liquidoutlet of the dispenser; b. an aperture on the adapter portion, whereinthe liquid outlet of the refrigerator liquid dispenser extends throughthe aperture; and wherein the liquid filtering component removesunwanted components from liquids dispensed from the refrigerator liquiddispenser.
 2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein the connector isconfigured to retrofittably secure the filter housing to one or morestock component features of the refrigerator liquid dispenser.
 3. Theapparatus of claim 1 wherein the filter housing liquid inlet has a sealconfigured to mate with the liquid outlet of the refrigerator liquiddispenser.
 4. The apparatus of claim 1 further comprising a capsuleholder removably attached to the adapter portion to hold the filterhousing in place at the liquid outlet of the refrigerator liquiddispenser.